pesticider

Pesticider is a broad term for substances or mixtures used to control pests that threaten crops, stored products, human or animal health. Pests include insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, and other organisms that interfere with production or welfare. Pesticider use spans agriculture, forestry, urban landscaping, public health, and homes. They can be chemical, biological, or biochemical, and may be synthetic or derived from natural sources. Pesticiders may be applied as sprays, granules, powders, baits, or seed treatments, among other formulations.

Common categories include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, miticides, nematicides, and piscicides. Some compounds are broad-spectrum while others are selective; systemic pesticides are absorbed and translocated within the plant or organism. Formulations can be contact-based, which act on surfaces, or systemic, which move through tissues.

Regulation and safety: Pesticiders are subject to risk assessment and registration by national authorities (for example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the European Food Safety Authority). Residue limits, labeling, and usage restrictions aim to protect workers, consumers, and the environment.

Environmental and health considerations: Potential risks include toxicity to non-target species, pollution of air and water, and impacts on pollinators and aquatic life. Pests can develop resistance with repeated use, reducing effectiveness.

Management and policy: Integrated pest management (IPM) emphasizes combining cultural, biological, and chemical methods to reduce reliance on pesticides. Safe handling, storage, and adherence to label directions are essential for minimizing harm.